A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Jose vs. Mazatlan for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit San Jose or Mazatlan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Jose or Mazatlan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

San Jose

San Jose is a authentic, traditional, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See San Jose travel costs.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a historical, cultural, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Mazatlan travel costs.

San Jose and Mazatlan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Jose or Mazatlan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan. Although San Jose and Mazatlan are roughly the same size, Mazatlan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while San Jose attracts visitors for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Mazatlan is more touristy than San Jose and is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon. San Jose is famous for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country.

How is San Jose different from Mazatlan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mazatlan and San Jose. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Jose or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Mazatlan can be an interesting and educational experience. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

San Jose offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in San Jose or Mazatlan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Mazatlan. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Is San Jose or Mazatlan Better for Nightlife?

San Jose is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

San Jose is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

If you're looking for night time activities Mazatlan has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

Is San Jose or Mazatlan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Mazatlan has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Jose or Mazatlan Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its beaches. However, San Jose is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mazatlan. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

Is San Jose or Mazatlan Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, San Jose does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Mazatlan to see the historical old town. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

San Jose does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Jose or Mazatlan?

San Jose is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

San Jose is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

Mazatlan has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

Is San Jose or Mazatlan Better for Families?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Mazatlan is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is San Jose or Mazatlan Better for Couples?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Mazatlan is a nice destination for couples. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is San Jose or Mazatlan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Jose and Mazatlan are both very good destinations for backpackers.

San Jose is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

Mazatlan is a great city to visit for backpackers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

Is San Jose or Mazatlan Better for Students?

San Jose is a popular place for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

San Jose is popular with students. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Is San Jose or Mazatlan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both San Jose and Mazatlan.

San Jose has some public transit options. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

Is San Jose or Mazatlan a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

San Jose is a somewhat walkable place. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is San Jose Worth Visiting? and Is Mazatlan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mazatlan or San Jose?

How long in San Jose or Mazatlan?

In either San Jose or Mazatlan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than San Jose because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for San Jose, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mazatlan.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than San Jose. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Mazatlan, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Mazatlan than San Jose. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mazatlan that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than San Jose if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Mazatlan.

One day in San Jose or Mazatlan?

The city of San Jose offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Mazatlan offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in San Jose or Mazatlan?

San Jose is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Jose, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Mazatlan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in San Jose or Mazatlan?

San Jose is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Mazatlan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mazatlan, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in San Jose or Mazatlan?

San Jose is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between San Jose and Mazatlan, we can see that San Jose is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though San Jose is in Central America and Mazatlan is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Jose Expensive? and Is Mazatlan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Jose or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of San Jose and Mazatlan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit San Jose or Mazatlan?

Mazatlan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit San Jose or Mazatlan in the Summer?

Both Mazatlan and San Jose during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, San Jose is around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Jose in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 29°C (83°F).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, San Jose often gets less sunshine than Mazatlan. San Jose gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually gets less rain in July than Mazatlan. San Jose gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Jose or Mazatlan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Jose and Mazatlan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the shopping scene.

In October, San Jose is generally around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Daily temperatures in San Jose average around 27°C (81°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. San Jose usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during autumn. San Jose gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Jose usually receives more rain than Mazatlan. San Jose gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to April in San Jose is the dry season. May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose.

Should I visit San Jose or Mazatlan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Jose as well as Mazatlan. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.

San Jose is a little warmer than Mazatlan in the winter. The daily temperature in San Jose averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. In the winter, San Jose often gets more sunshine than Mazatlan. San Jose gets 264 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun.

San Jose usually gets less rain in January than Mazatlan. San Jose gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Jose or Mazatlan in the Spring?

Both Mazatlan and San Jose are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches.

In the spring, San Jose is a little warmer than Mazatlan. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Jose in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. San Jose usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mazatlan during spring. San Jose gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Jose usually receives more rain than Mazatlan. San Jose gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in San Jose is December to April. May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Mazatlan and San Jose